Back row L to R: Daniel Wynne, Roma Byrne, Pavlo Chabaniuk, Cillian Devitt, Mattie Kinch, Mikie Rouine. Front Row L to R: Stephen Leigh (Coach), Beau Crosse, Breandan Barrett-Monaghan, Graham Sheehy, Ciaran Harrington
CLARE CASCADERS capped off a memorable campaign by claiming a first-ever Division One title in the North Munster league, following on from their Clare County League success.
The Ennistymon club booked their place in the Munster final with a dramatic semi-final win over Clare rivals, Shannon Jets on Saturday. They had a strong local support for this encounter as they ran out 65-55 winners at Ennistymon Community School. A week previously, they were victorious when the sides met in the county final.
Munster glory came their way on Sunday when they triumphed over Limerick Celts at St Munchin’s College. Limerick Celtics have proven to be fierce opposition, recently being crowned Division One National League Champions and attaining Super League status. Cascaders were coming off a jam-packed season schedule which also saw them lift the Clare Cup.
Facing strong opposition, the Cascaders edged ahead by the slimmest of margins at halftime, leading 30-29. Cascaders guards Ciaran Harrington and Graham Sheehy were on top of their game, scoring regularly on both sides of the three point arc. The intensity didn’t let up in the third quarter, where they continued to build on their lead. The rebounding power under the boards of Mattie Kinch and Mikie Rouine gave Cascaders the upper hand, extending Ennistymon’s lead to 53-35.
But it was in the final quarter that the Ennistymon boys truly rose to the occasion. With a potent combination of fitness, discipline, and skill, the Cascaders shifted into another gear. With Cillian Devitt and Roma Byrne’s fast break play they scored freely, pulling away to secure a comfortable 64-46 victory.
Head Coach Stephen Leigh praised his side’s relentless work ethic and commitment, “The lads were beaten in the final last year and they have worked incredibly hard to pick themselves up and come back again. This win is a reflection of their dedication over several seasons”.
Leigh also highlighted the club’s ambition moving forward, noting that the focus now turns to progression into the BIDL Division Two League, as the club aims to continue its rise through the ranks at a national level.
